TOUGH LOVE

THE PARK

We had finally arrived, after 4 and a half hours, at some sketchy hotel that was in walking distance to the theme park.

Mrs. Tyler had us all get out of the bus and form a line to receive the key to our rooms.

"I will be giving you all your room keys and expected to keep it safe. We will be leaving for the city tour in 2 hours so I want everyone down here in exactly an hour and 30 minutes."

I hadn't even thought of the idea of sleeping in the same room as James. I was nervous but I was sure Mrs. Tyler would arrange something for us.

She continued showing people to their rooms until she was at the end of the line with James and I.

"Here's your key, do not lose it."

"Do I get a separate room?" I asked Mrs.Tyler shyly.

"And why would you be getting special services?" Mrs. Tyler rudely asked me while making her way to face me directly.

"I-I uh just thought since, he's a boy that you wouldn't want us sleeping in the same room..." I stammered nervously biting my lip.

"Oh honey, you don't actually think he'll try something on you or do you?" I blushed immediately, mostly out of embarrassment since James was standing right next to me.

"I-I.." is all I could say before James took the keys and made his way to our room. I couldn't process how rude Mrs. Tyler had been but I had to accept the fact that I was just being paranoid. It was obvious that James wouldn't try anything me.

Our room was at the very end of a hallway. Sadly, we had no neighbors so I couldn't even talk to them or at least try to.

"I call this bed" James said coldly as he placed his bag on the first bed.

"Okay, it's whatever" I say as I laid on the other bed.

We just stayed there for what seemed forever. I went to the restroom and quickly changed my outfit. Everything was quiet until we heard a knock at our door.

I went to open it since James was to busy laying on his bed doing nothing.

"Come on! It's been 1 hour and 20 minutes." said Kathy from the other side of the door.

"Ok, let's go." I said existing out of our room and leaving James on his own.

We all formed a line as if we were in kindergarten and waited for Mrs.Tyler.

At exactly 1:30 she came out of her room to do a count. James was still in the room.

She was taking count and when it was my turn she stopped and looked at me.

"Rider?"

"Yes, Mrs. Tyler?" I asked nervously.

"Where is your partner?"
Everyone in the line turn their heads to look at me.

"In the room, I believe."

"He is supposed to be here. It is your responsibility for him to be here. Now go get him and let this be your first warning."

I nodded my head but inside I was fuming. How am I getting in trouble for his mistakes? I was making my way to our room with so much anger. 'I can't let either of them ruin this trip for me.'

I entered the room and saw James napping.

"Hey sleepy head!" I yelled trying not to sound too angry.